support and Advocacy organizations

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Support and advocacy organizations for entrepreneurs play a crucial role in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. These organizations provide various resources, services, and networking opportunities, as well as advocating for policies that benefit entrepreneurs and small businesses. 

Build Institute

Location: Detroit

Url: https://www.buildinstitute.org/about/

Description: We help people turn their business ideas into reality by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support network in Detroit. To date, we have graduated over 2600+ aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs from our classes, many of whom have gone on to start successful businesses in the city. In addition to classes, we offer networking events, mentorship, connections to resources and a nurturing community that allows ideas to develop and flourish over time. With a little support, a lot of hard work, and a friendly nudge, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running. Do you have an idea? Want to be your own boss? Dream of starting a business? Join us and get building! 

Detroit Means Business

Location: Detroit

Url: https://www.detroitmeansbusiness.org/

Description:  Detroit Means Business is helping make Detroit the place for small business owners to thrive. DMB is Detroit’s front door to entrepreneurial success and the one place dedicated to driving a strong small business community. Find solutions, make connections and let DMB help your small business soar.

Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce

Location: Detroit

Url: https://www.detroitchamber.com/

Description: Located in the heart of Detroit’s central business district, the Detroit Regional Chamber is one of the oldest, largest and most respected chambers of commerce in the country. Having served Southeast Michigan’s business community for more than 100 years, we are a trusted advocate, partner, and thought-leader that serves as a go-to resource for information, data, and support. Our members range from scrappy start-up companies to global Fortune 500 companies who create jobs, investment, and economic opportunity in one of the most innovative Regions in the nation.

Detroit SCORE

Location: Ann Arbor/Southeast Michigan

Url: https://www.score.org/

Description: Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories.

EO Detroit

Location: Detroit

Url: https://eodetroit.com/

Founded in 1987, Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a peer-to-peer business network of more than 14,000 entrepreneurs in more than 190 chapters and 60 countries. EO’s core values are common pillars across regions helping members to learn and grow together, be bold, trust and respect their peers, and have fun. EO’s international staff collaborates successfully across cultures. Getting to know members and staff from around the world and a generous professional development allowance are frequently cited as among the most popular benefits of working at EO. 

Global Detroit

Location: Detroit

Url: https://globaldetroitmi.org

Description: Today, as Global Detroit enters its second decade, it has become a national leader in advocating for and implementing strategies that drive equitable economic growth at local, regional, and statewide levels through immigrant inclusion. Global Detroit develops and leads programs focused on global talent, entrepreneurship, and neighborhoods to demonstrate their potential for large-scale impact. The organization also conducts groundbreaking research, influences policy, and serves as a leading advocate for immigrant inclusion as a strategy to build prosperity for everyone in Southeast Michigan.

Launch Detroit

Location: Detroit

Url: https://launchdetroit.org/

Description:  A Committee of the Rotary District 6400 Foundation, LaunchDETROIT strives to develop successful entrepreneurs, especially women, who have limited access to financial and business resources. LaunchDETROIT is a multi-faceted program that includes business education provided by International Strategic Management (ISM), micro-loans of up to $2,500 each, mentors from the business community, and networking opportunities. 

Michigan Venture Capital Association

Location: Bloomfield Hills

Url: https://michiganvca.org/

Description: The Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) drives economic growth by increasing capital and talent for venture and angel investors, helping fund innovative entrepreneurs and create new companies in Michigan. MVCA serves as a key resource for investment data, advocates for pro-innovation policies, and connects the entrepreneurial community through engagement and marketing. Its mission is to grow and sustain a vibrant venture and angel investment ecosystem in the state.

Michigan Women Forward

Location: Detroit

Url: https://miwf.org/

Description: Michigan Women Forward is a community development financial institution whose mission is to expand economic opportunity for women and entrepreneurs of color by providing access to capital and business resources. Michigan Women Forward celebrates outstanding women by honoring their leadership contributions to the community, economy and our state. The MWF collaborates with state agencies to provide resources to female entrepreneurs, focusing on funding, education, and mentorship.

-Microloans and Grants: Provides small loans and grants targeted at women-owned businesses.

-Education and Networking: Hosts events and workshops to empower women in business.

Motor City Match

Location: Detroit

Url: https://www.motorcitymatch.com/

Description: Motor City Match is designed to assist Detroit entrepreneurs at critical stages of their business development - from idea to open. Motor City Match connects new and expanding businesses with services and space to grow, providing them with the funding and tools to fuel the city’s entrepreneurial revolution.

National Entrepreneurs Association

Location: Southfield

Url: https://www.nationalentrepreneurs.org/

Description: The National Entrepreneurs Association is a 501c3 non profit corporation founded in 2018. Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs to grow and sustain successful businesses through quality networking events and educational programs. 

New Economy Initiative

Location: Detroit

Url: https://neweconomyinitiative.org/

Description:  The mission of the New Economy Initiative (NEI) is to grow a culture of entrepreneurship in southeast Michigan that benefits all residents and strengthens the regional economy. The New Economy Initiative, a special project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, is a philanthropy-led entrepreneurial development strategy working to build an inclusive network of support for entrepreneurs and small businesses in southeast Michigan.